In the Original stories by Lewis Carrol there are two often overlooked characters: the pig from Alice in Wonderland and the young Deer from Through the Looking Glass. Both said characters are but blips so minor they are often forgotten about in many (if not all) incarnations of the stories of the same name to date.
Andy would prove to be more than that.
We don’t know his history prior to Alice freeing him from the Tweedle Amigos, but we do know of his journey with Alice herself.
He saved her from the hungry bounty hunters.
He comforted her as she missed her Father and Brother.
He was vigilant to protect Alice from her darkest fears.
He gave her meaning to keep going.
He followed her to the edge of the world.
Indeed Andy’s friendship with Alice as a stranger in a Strange Place burned bright in a world growing increasingly cold. A friend until the end when he heroically sacrificed himself to save Alice from drowning in the dark icy waters of Death Crick.
Andy would die hours from hypothermia, despite the Yucca Giants passing through attempting to warm him back to health by burning strips of their own wood-like flesh. He was given a mostly proper burial, though like Alice’s pioneer heritage would have to make do with a shallow grave in the hard icy ground.
Happy Birthday, Andy. Even though Alice will be alone in many regards for the remainder of her journey, you will always be at her side.